Episode 149: Gift of the Magi

The Easy Chair with Laura Hurwitz

This week: “The Gift of the Magi” is a classic short story by O Henry. This small gem is generally considered a Christmas story as well as an iconic example of comic irony. I would challenge the limits of these labels. This story about love and sacrifice is relevant for any time of year, and the lessons it imparts are not tied to one faith. While O. Henry certainly uses elements of both comedy and irony, his story tells what it means to love and sacrifice, and champions the notion that what really, really matters in this world can't be bought or sold. This has been a week that could use some tender loving care, and reading this story on the podcast felt, to me, like the most magical gift I could think of for you, my listeners. Enjoy. Questions? Comments? Do you have a short story you’d like to share on the podcast? Write to me at [e-mail] . I would love to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.